Abstract:Objective: The hepatoprotective effect of bound phenolics from Lycopus lucidus Turcz. was investigated using an in vitro CCl4-induced hepatocyte damage model. Methods: The cell viability was determined by MTT method and the levels of ALT, AST and LDH were determined using a clinical automatic biochemical analyzer. The levels of MDA, SOD, GSH, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 and the activation of Caspase-3 were measured by kits. Meanwhile, apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and the change of mitochondrial membrane potential was detected using a mitochondrial membrane potential assay kit with JC-1. Correlation analysis was carried out by Pearson correlation program. Results: The results showed that no cytotoxicity was found of the bound phenolics from Lycopus lucidus Turcz. within the tested dose range (0.2~1.6 mg/mL). The bound phenolics inhibited the CCl4-induced reduction of cell viability, SOD and GSH. Meanwhile, the bound phenolics pretreatment reduced the CCl4 -induced elevation of MDA, ALT, AST, LDH, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 and Caspase-3 activation. Moreover, the bound phenolics pretreatment significantly improved the apoptosis and the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential caused by CCl4. The results of the correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation was observed between ALT, Caspase-3, TNF-, IL-6, and IL-8, and a significant negative correlation was found between GSH and SOD and ALT, Caspase-3, TNF-, IL-6, and IL-8. Conclusions: The bound phenolics from Lycopus lucidus Turcz. exerted a protective effect against CCl4-damaged hepatocytes through antioxidation, inhibition of inflammatory response and apoptosis and protection of mitochondria.